Murat Gassiev has publicly urged the victor of the upcoming Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua showdown to grant him a mandatory title defence, insisting that the winner should face him for the WBA "super" heavyweight crown. Gassiev, who currently holds the WBA "regular" belt, had assumed that he would be elevated to the status of "super" champion when Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his title. However, recent developments indicate that the WBA plans to designate the Fury‑Joshua clash, scheduled for December 11, as a contest for the "super" championship, effectively relegating Gassiev to the position of secondary title‑holder. The Russian fighter expressed bewilderment at this arrangement, describing it as "interesting" and "a little bit strange" during an interview with Sky Sports.
He recounted his confusion: "When Usyk gave up his belt, I woke up thinking I was the super champion. Then I went to sleep and woke up again as just the regular champion. It's odd, but I'm not angry.
I understand the situation; I'm not a child, I get it." Despite his apparent acceptance, Gassiev made it clear that he expects the governing body to name him the mandatory challenger for whoever emerges victorious. "I want to give AJ and Tyson a big present before the new year – a fight with me," Gassiev said, adding that he would be ready to step into the ring as soon as the decision is made. "If this scenario unfolds, I think it's a great option and I'm happy with it.
I'm prepared and eager to fight." When asked who he thinks will win, Gassiev singled out Fury as his favorite fighter, praising the British boxer’s style and approach. "Fury is my favourite fighter. I admire how he does everything in the ring.
I think Tyson could win by decision, or Anthony could win by knockout," he explained. He emphasized that his respect for both athletes is confined to the sport itself: "I love them outside the ring, but inside the ring I don’t play favorites. It’s just sport, nothing personal.
After the fight I’ll shake hands, hug, and we can be friends." Gassiev’s most recent bout took place in June, when he stopped Peter Kadiru, and he has yet to announce a date for his next contest. At present, his focus remains on training and staying ready for any opportunity that may arise. "I’m currently training full‑time. My team is in talks with the WBA, and my sole concentration right now is preparing for the next fight," he said.
"I’m a fighter, not a manager or promoter. I simply want to compete and do my job. I’m waiting to see what happens next." The situation highlights the complexities of the WBA’s championship hierarchy, where multiple titles—"regular" and "super"—can coexist, often leading to confusion among fighters and fans alike. Gassiev’s comments underscore his desire for clarity and a clear path to the top of the heavyweight division.
By insisting on a mandatory challenger status, he aims to ensure that the winner of the Fury‑Joshua bout cannot sidestep a fight with him, thereby preserving the integrity of the title lineage. If the WBA follows through on Gassiev’s request, the champion‑to‑be will have to balance a lucrative fight against a high‑profile opponent with the obligation to face a proven contender who has already held a world title.
This could set a precedent for how secondary champions are treated in future negotiations, potentially influencing the broader landscape of heavyweight boxing. Regardless of the outcome, Gassiev’s stance adds another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated event, promising fans not only a showdown between two of the sport’s biggest names but also the possibility of a subsequent clash with a seasoned former champion.